EMF (band)

Band name

The name "EMF" is believed to be an abbreviation of "Epsom Mad Funkers", a name taken from a fan club of the band New Order. The initials were rumoured at times to stand for something else. The song, "Head the Ball", which featured on the remix single release of "Lies," featured the repeating lines "Electromotive Force" and "Ecstasy Mother Fucker" during the song, the two most commonly rumoured names. On the band's 1991 album Schubert Dip, after the song "Longtime" there is a hidden track called "EMF". In this, the chorus lyrics start off with "E for Ecstasy, M for my mind's in my feet, F from us to you". They then move on to "E for Ecstasy, M for mother fucker mother fucker, F from us to you".

Members

Former members

Formation (1989)

The band originally formed with the DJ Milf EMF. All the members were relatively well known in the local music scene before forming EMF in Cinderford, in October 1989. Brownson had formed a band called Flowerdrum but left to join Foley, Decloedt and Atkin as EMF. Dench was last to join, having already tasted moderate success as a member of Apple Mosaic.

The band's music has also been counted as part of Madchester and alternative dance. They toured the UK in 1990 with Stereo MCs, who were at that point relatively unknown.

Schubert Dip and Stigma (1990–1992)

In 1990, their debut single "Unbelievable" topped the charts in many countries around the world, reaching number one in the US in July 1991. The single featured sampled utterances from comedian Andrew Dice Clay. In 1991, EMF released their debut album Schubert Dip which went to number 3 in the UK. The name was explained by songwriter Ian Dench, as "If ever I'm short of a chord sequence I nick one from Schubert." Successful singles from the album included "I Believe", "Children", and "Lies". "Lies" was controversial as it included a voice sample of Mark Chapman, John Lennon's murderer. Yoko Ono, Lennon's wife, achieved an injunction, and a modified version was included in future pressings.

In 1992, EMF returned with the Unexplained EP (including a cover version of "Search and Destroy") and later Stigma, their second album. Both of these releases did poorly in the charts. The singles released were "Getting Through", "They're Here", and "It's You".

Also in 1992, EMF appeared on the Red Hot Organization's dance compilation album, Red Hot + Dance, contributing an original track, "Unbelievable (The Hovering Feet Mix)". The album attempted to raise awareness and money in support of the AIDS epidemic, and all proceeds were donated to AIDS charities.

Cha Cha Cha and first hiatus (1995–2000)

Until their 1995 album, Cha Cha Cha, EMF effectively disappeared from sight. This album featured the singles "Perfect Day" and "Bleeding You Dry".

In 1995, EMF teamed up with comedians Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer and recorded "I'm a Believer", a cover of The Monkees song. This single reached number 3 in the UK Singles Chart. The band then released Afro King which failed to do well. After this, the band split for the first time. However, all members of the band continued to play music.

Reunion and second hiatus (2001–2006)

In 2001, EMF gave a reunion gig in London. They also released a best of album, Epsom Mad Funkers: The Best of EMF.

The band's bass guitarist, Zac Foley, died on 3 January 2002 at the age of 31, due to an overdose of non-prescribed drugs. EMF played just four more gigs in late 2002, before splitting up again.

In 2005, Kraft Foods used EMF's "Unbelievable" in their Kraft Crumbles advertisement campaign. The original song's chorus, "You're unbelievable", was replaced with the product claim: "It's crumbelievable". The advertisement was later parodied by Stephen Colbert on his show The Colbert Report.

Second reunion (2007–2009)

In 2007, the band announced they would be reforming to play a one-off gig at the Scala in King's Cross, London, on 18 December. The place of Foley was taken by Richard March, formerly of Pop Will Eat Itself and Bentley Rhythm Ace.

In 2007, Hallmark Cards used EMF's "Unbelievable" in their musical Mother's Day Cards advertising campaign. The mother was shown opening the card, heard the daughter say "Mom you Rock" followed by the music of EMF.

In 2008, EMF played the Portsmouth Festival on 9 October, and supported Carter USM at Birmingham Academy and London's Brixton Academy in November that year.

In May 2009, EMF announced that due to personal issues, the band would not be doing any more shows in the near future, thus ending their second reunion.

Third reunion (2012)

In January 2012, it was confirmed that they would be reforming to play at the upcoming festival Lakefest in Tewkesbury, alongside Levellers, Dodgy and The Swing Man on 18 and 19 May. For the first time they performed every track from the album Schubert Dip live, in order to coincide with the 21st anniversary re-release. The band headlined at The Westbury Festival on Saturday, 25 August 2012.